Component-Resolved Evaluation of the Risk and Success of Immunotherapy in Bee Venom Allergic Patients.

Venom immunotherapy (VIT) is the only efficient therapy for the Hymenoptera insect venom allergy. Immunotherapy with bee venom is encumbered with a higher risk of systemic side effects and/or therapeutic failures. The objective of the study was to assess if specific profiles of molecular IgE (Immunoglobulin E) responses are associated with an increased risk of systemic side effects and/or the treatment’s inefficacy.

Possible effect of the HLA-DQ2/DQ8 polymorphism on autoimmune parameters and lymphocyte subpopulation in recurrent pregnancy losses.

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) affects 1-2 % of women. Allo- and autoimmune disorders are a recognized factor for RPL and poor pregnancy outcomes. There is a link between antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), Hashimoto's thyroiditis or coeliac disease, and pregnancy losses.

Basophils priming in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria.

Introduction: Basophils are one of the main target cells in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). If cells present higher susceptibility to production and degranulation of pro-inflammatory factors, priming may be associated with severity of symptoms and therapy ineffectiveness.

Aim: To evaluate the spontaneous state of increase in basophil activity and their priming profile in patients with CSU.

Influence of tobacco smoke on zinc, cadmium, iron, iron-binding proteins, and low-weight anti-oxidant status in pregnancy.

Pregnancy and tobacco smoking (TS) each can cause increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production; this, in turn, can lead to disorders in iron management and disruption of the pro- and anti-oxidant balance. The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of TS and Cd on Fe, Zn, and anti-oxidant levels (i.e.

The influence of maternal smoking on transferrin sialylation and fetal biometric parameters.

Objectives: Transferrin is a glycosylated protein responsible for transporting iron, an essential metal responsible for proper fetal development. Tobacco is a heavily used xenobiotic having a negative impact on the human body and pregnancy outcomes. Aims of this study was to examine the influence of tobacco smoking on transferrin sialic acid residues and their connection with fetal biometric parameters in women with iron-deficiency.

The Influence of Tobacco Smoke on Protein and Metal Levels in the Serum of Women during Pregnancy.

Background: Tobacco smoking by pregnant women has a negative effect on fetal development and increases pregnancy risk by changing the oxidative balance and microelements level. Smoking affects the concentration, structure and function of proteins, potentially leading to various negative effects on pregnancy outcomes.

Methodology/principal Findings: The influence of tobacco smoke on key protein fractions in smoking and non-smoking healthy pregnant women was determined by capillary electrophoresis (CE).

Influence of tobacco smoking on transferrin sialylation during pregnancy in smoking and non-smoking women with iron deficiency.

Objectives: Tobacco smoking influence on proteins is leading to despaired foetal nourishment. Transferrin, is an essential metal-binding protein responsible for iron transport and proper foetal development. This study examines influence of tobacco smoking on transferrin sialic acid residues and its connection to foetal nourishment at women with iron deficiency.

Transferrin Sialylation in Smoking and Non-Smoking Pregnant Women with Intrauterine Growth Restriction.

Transferrin (Tf) is a glycosylated protein responsible for transporting iron. Various sialylation levels of Tf are observed during physiological and pathological processes. We studied if the changes in iron stores as well as tobacco smoke may have an impact on foetal development and in consequence lead to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).